After more than two decades of near-total silence, Queen’s reclusive bassist John Deacon has made a rare gesture that caught longtime fans by surprise. For the first time in almost 30 years, Deacon has contributed to a Queen project—signing a copy of the band’s legendary 1975 album A Night at the Opera alongside Brian May and Roger Taylor.
The signed vinyl isn’t just a collector’s dream—it’s headed for a special charity auction organized by the Mercury Phoenix Trust. The auction will take place during the Freddie Mercury Birthday Party in Montreux, Switzerland, on September 6, with all proceeds supporting global efforts to fight HIV and AIDS.
Deacon, who retired from public life in 1997 following Freddie Mercury’s death, has rarely appeared or participated in band-related events. His involvement in this project was verified by Queen’s team, with signatures confirmed as “100% authentic.”
Though he no longer performs or records with the band, Deacon is still kept in the loop on business matters and continues to approve key decisions behind the scenes. His quiet nature has long made him something of a mystery, even among fans—but his latest act shows his heart still beats for Queen, especially when it’s for something Freddie would’ve championed.
A Night at the Opera remains one of Queen’s most iconic records, featuring hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and Deacon’s own “You’re My Best Friend.” With all three surviving members now represented on this one-of-a-kind edition, the album has become more than music—it’s a message of unity, memory, and charity.
